Tutors help advance students studies

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By Andy Barrand

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Andy Barrand

Posted Dec. 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM

By Andy Barrand
Posted Dec. 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — Sitting in front of a computer with a torn apart candy bar by his side Roland Demzik, a student at Horizons Alternative High School, was learning about plate boundaries and earth science. Demzik was working one on one with Diane Crosley, a volunteer with the Equestrian Outreach Center in Jerome. Crosley is a science professor at Spring Arbor College. Using the candy bar, Crosley demonstrated how plate boundaries and shifts work in the earth’s core. Crosley was one of three tutors with the center that have been volunteering their time to work with the students at the high school. Tutors from the center began working with students at the high school last week after math teacher Gwen Chavez learned about the center. “It is great to see them here because the students' faces light up when they are here,” Chavez said. Leslie Gove, director of the Equestrian Outreach Center, said her passion is those kids who have fallen through the cracks.

She started the non-profit center in 2006 to help reach those students. She said that working one on one with these students is what they need. Demzik said working one on one with a tutor has been extremely helpful. Last week Demzik received help with his math work from Lyn Eulberg, a retired math teacher who volunteers with the center. “It is helping me get done faster,” Demzik said. Tara Hannibal, another student, agreed that the one on one attention has been a great help. Hannibal was working with Eulberg on her geometry work. She said she would encourage any of her fellow students at the center to take advantage of the personal attention. Tutors from the center will be visiting the high school on a weekly basis on Thursdays throughout the year. The school currently has 35 students enrolled. Chavez said it has been a big benefit for the students because she doesn’t always have the time to work individually with the students. The students at the high school work toward their high school diplomas at their own paces throughout the year. The center also has several programs for students to take part in at its facility in Jerome. Living Encounters is an educational outreach designed to enhance the social, intellectual and emotional growth of students in grades four through six. The Employment Skills program provides a controlled environment to develop simple employment skills, build self-confidence and improve social skills. The program is open to students in grades nine through 12.

The Connection program creates an environment for youth that enables quality decision-making, ownership of actions and a healthy emotional status through the use of horses. The program is open to children in grades three through 12.

Chavez said the high school is currently excepting new students. For more information about the Equestrian Outreach Center visit www.Equestrian-Outreach.org.